White Spruce vs American Sycamore - TreeTime.ca

White Spruce vs American Sycamore

Picea glauca

Platanus occidentalis

White Spruce
American Sycamore

White Spruce is a hardy, long-lived evergreen tree. It can grow in many soil types and moisture levels. And it can even tolerate significant amounts of shade. White spruce requires little maintenance and is well suited for use in shelterbelts, privacy screens, hedges, and as an ornamental in an urban setting.

American Sycamore is the largest tree native to eastern North America. Generally too large and messy to be a street tree, American Sycamore thrives in large, open spaces, such as an acreage or farm.

The bark is one of the main features that draw people to this tree. The outer bark flakes off in irregular pieces to reveal an attractive white, green, and cream colored inner layer, providing winter interest.

American Sycamore has an extremely fast growth rate, gaining up to 6 ft in one year, and will easily reach its mature height in a short period of time. Be wary of this trees' root system, as it's typically very extensive and needs lots of room to expand.

White Spruce Quick Facts

American Sycamore Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $1.29 - SAVE UP TO 71%
Lowest Price: $19.99
Zone: 1a
Zone: 4a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 23 m (75 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none

In row spacing: 3 m (10 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: alberta white spruce, canadian spruce, cat spruce, labrador spruce, northern spruce, pasture spruce, porsild spruce, skunk spruce, western white spruce